The NSW Government today announced it will provide $10 million towards a legacy program for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The legacy program is a direct benefit of NSW hosting games during the tournament and will provide funding to support the development of rugby at all levels across NSW as well grants for infrastructure, equipment and participation.
The Legacy Program, jointly delivered by Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and ACT & SNSW Rugby, will focus on five key pillars:
Facilities & Equipment - upgrading community rugby facilities across NSW and providing vital safety equipment for clubs.
Priority Regions & Pathways - targeted investment in Western Sydney, the Hunter, South Coast and Riverina to expand competitions, establish new academies, and create stronger player pathways.
Programs & Workforce - increasing opportunities for people to get involved in rugby as players, coaches, referees and administrators, with support for volunteer recruitment, training and retention.
Inclusion - expanding programs for women and girls, First Nations communities, Pasifika communities, people with a disability and the Pride community, while embedding safeguarding and integrity across the game.
RWC Activation - leveraging the global excitement of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 to inspire the next generation of players, coaches, officials and fans.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.”
“The tournament will see the world's best players compete for the greatest prize in men’s rugby, the Webb Ellis Cup.
“But we don’t just want to host the tournament, we want to ensure it leaves a legacy for the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite.
“So, whether it’s a girl or boy lacing up their boots for the first time at their local club or an elite pathway player, they will all benefit from the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Legacy Program.”
At its core, the Legacy Program is focused on growing participation, creating more opportunities for people to be involved in rugby as players, coaches, officials and administrators, while also delivering projects that make the game safer and more inclusive for women and girls, people with a disability, and Pasifika and First Nations communities.
Leveraging excitement during the build-up to the tournament to engage supporters and capture new participants will also be a focus of the program with a range of community initiatives and activations to be delivered prior to and during the event. The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Legacy Program will be delivered by the NSW Government in collaboration with Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW and the ACT Brumbies.
The $10 million program will run from 2025 through to 2028, with funding distributed via infrastructure grants, community programs, workforce initiatives, and Rugby World Cup activation hubs.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:
“Rugby Australia extends its sincere thanks to the NSW Government for its outstanding support of rugby across the state.
“Today’s announcement of a legacy program ahead of the home Rugby World Cup in 2027 demonstrates NSW’s strong backing of rugby at all levels and will ensure the benefits of this once-in-a-generation event will live on long after the final whistle sounds.
“From grassroots clubs that galvanise communities to our Teams in Gold that unite and inspire the nation, rugby has a unique ability to positively impact our society socially, culturally and economically.
“The Rugby World Cup in 2027 will be a wonderful demonstration of the passion and cohesion that define our great international game and we look forward to working in partnership with the NSW Government to deliver a truly unforgettable event in the state.”
Chris Stanley, Managing Director Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027:
“Hosting Rugby World Cup in Australia is not only a chance to showcase the very best rugby on the planet, but also an opportunity to amplify the lasting legacy a tournament of this scale can deliver.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be one of the most accessible in history, with more than one million tickets priced under $100 and children’s tickets starting from just $20.
With the support of the NSW Government, 17 matches will be staged across Sydney and Newcastle, giving fans across the state more opportunities than ever before to see the world’s best rugby players live in action.”
Rugby NSW CEO Peter Murphy said:
“This is an investment in the future of rugby and in the communities that bring our game to life. The Legacy Program will improve facilities, create pathways for young talent, grow the women’s game, and ensure rugby is accessible to all.”
“Hosting the World Cup is not just about the matches themselves, it’s about inspiring participation, building community connections and leaving a legacy that will last for decades. This investment ensures people across NSW - from Western Sydney to regional communities - will benefit long after the tournament is over.”
ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union CEO Craig Leseberg said:
“We are extremely grateful to the NSW Government for their generous legacy investment and excited by the tangible and long-lasting impact it will have on community rugby clubs right across our region.
This investment will enable us to significantly boost participation programs in schools and clubs and deliver projects that make our sport more accessible for everyone, including expanded female and Indigenous opportunities.
While also progressing key infrastructure projects and enhancing pathway opportunities for young boys and girls into our elite teams. Ensuring access to life changing opportunities through rugby, as we inspire the next generation of young players across Southern NSW to get involved and make their mark on our great global game.”
About Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.
For six weeks from 1 October-13 November, 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.
With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally.
All revenue generated by Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 133 member unions and six regional associations.
